The Florida Association of Counties on Wednesday presented Sen. Paula Dockery, R-Lakeland,  with the Legislator of the Year Award.  .

In  news release, the FAC commended Dockery for "fighting to protect local pretrial release programs that save tax dollars and improve efficiencies.  She also assisted in advocating that online travel companies no longer have an unfair advantage over our local hoteliers.  The Senator was also an unwavering champion for property tax reform that protects home rule and not a one size fits all approach."

The FAC also bestowed "County Champion" awards on five other lawmakers. They are:

Sen. David Simmons, R-Maitland, for his efforts on property tax reform, arguing for a more balanced approach as well as his efforts to protect local control.

Sen. Nan Rich, D-Weston, for her efforts on property tax caps, pretrial release, online travel bill, and county health department primary health care funding;

Sen. Jack Latvala, R-Clearwater,  for his tremendous efforts to defeat the online travel company bill, which would have hurt local hoteliers and critical tourism investment resources.

Rep. Scott Randolph, D-Orlando, for his efforts on the online travel company bill and limiting one size fits all property tax caps; and

Rep. Seth McKeel, R-Lakeland, for his efforts on pension reform, tax caps and the communications services tax.